PostNL tests robotic dogs and humanoid robots to assist delivery workers

PostNL launched a trial on Tuesday in which robotic dogs deliver packages to doorsteps to assist delivery workers. The company also deployed a humanoid robot, a human-like robot, to restock a parcel locker, PostNL announced on Tuesday.

"This humanoid robot is still in its infancy and requires further technical development before it can be deployed in public spaces," said the postal and parcel company. "By experimenting with robotics now, we gain insight into how technology can assist our delivery workers."

According to PostNL, the "promising" robotic dog that supports the delivery worker will undergo further testing in the near future. The dog will be of use for carrying packages up stairs in apartments, A spokesperson said to NU.nl. "The wheels on the legs can be locked, allowing the dog to climb," the spokesperson said.

The plan is for the delivery person to load the packages onto a tray on the robot, accompany it to the door, and personally deliver the package. "It’s important to us that the delivery worker remains the face of the service," the company said.

The tests with the robotic dogs and the humanoid robot were carried out in Leerdam. It is a collaboration with Smartrobot Solutions. The robots are intended to support delivery workers and other staff, not to replace jobs, the spokesperson said.

PostNL stresses that the humanoid robot is still at an early stage and needs more technical development before it can operate in public areas. Another addition was the use of serving robots to help with customer support at PostNL points.

PostNL has been using robots in its sorting centers for several years to handle package sorting. The company also launched a robotized sorting center in Nieuwegein dedicated to small parcels.